28 September 2006

Wellington Retailers Get in the WOW® Spirit

Montana World of WearableArt™ Awards Show organisers are thrilled that, yet again, Wellington retailers have taken WOW® to heart.

Twenty-five downtown businesses took part in the World of WearableArt™ Retail Competition this year, turning their shop windows into wearable art and creating stunning visual displays based around their products.

"I am truly touched by the amazing support WOW® has received from all the businesses in Wellington," said Suzie Moncrieff, World of WearableArt™ creator. "Wellington has really embraced the WOW® spirit, on every level. The city has turned on its most brilliant colours, and participating shops have each told their own story through their creations."

The winners of the competition were announced today. First prize was awarded to Desire in the Old Bank Arcade for their large scale creation, ingeniously made from the shop's distinctive black shopping bags. The garment also plays on the Bizarre Bra section, unique to WOW® shows.

"I loved the sculptural elements, use of colours and strong designs of this creation," Suzie says. "At the end of the day, it had the WOW® factor. It's hard to walk past the shop window and ignore it!"

Country Theme, on the corner of Featherston and Hunter Streets, took the second place price for its two ornate dresses, one red and one black. "This was a fabulously lush window display. Their attention to detail was amazing," Suzie says.

Third prize went to Starfish for its brightly coloured, cross stitch inspired display that took a 'Home Sweet Home' theme. "I liked the funky edge to this," says Suzie. "It's what this label is all about."

Prizes were donated by WOW® sponsors Montana, Hewlett-Packard, American Express and Positively Wellington Tourism.

"What makes Wellington such a great city for events is that the entire city embraces them," says Tim Cossar, CEO of Positively Wellington Tourism.

"Wellington has an amazing vibrancy and life, and when an event comes to town, that energy multiplies. The city is privileged to host high profile events such as the Montana World of WearableArt™ Awards Show. Events such as this find their home here because the organisers know we'll deliver on atmosphere."
Positively Wellington Tourism is the organiser of the retail window dressing competition, which gives WOW® a storefront presence during the event. The competition also increases the overall profile of WOW® and the stores involved, maximising retail spend.

"The WOW® Retail Competition has, yet again, received an outstanding response from Wellington retailers," Suzie says. "This is our second year in the capital and the message is abundantly clear - Wellington loves WOW®."

ENDS

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